Fire-breathing monster slain by the hero Bellerophon; related to Cerberus and the Hydra. The Chimaera was part lion, part goat and part snake, although accounts differed as to how these parts were assembled. King Iobates of Lycia sent Bellerophon after the beast in the expectation that the hero would never return. But with the help of the gods and the flying horse Pegasus, Bellerophon rid Lycia of its multiple monster.

An unwary hero approaches the Chimaera without the help of the gods. (zoom)